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NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
Photo by: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Four Former Gophers Set For NFL Playoffs

1/3/2021 11:46:00 PM | Football

Winfield, Johnson play Saturday, while Martin, Wilson enjoy first-round byes

Four former Gophers are set to compete in the upcoming NFL playoffs, which start on Saturday, Jan. 9 and conclude on Feb. 7 with Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, Fla. 

On Saturday night, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Tyler Johnson will compete in their first NFL playoffs when the Buccaneers travel to play Washington in the NFL Wild Card Round. 

Winfield, who was a unanimous All-American for Minnesota is 2019, played in all 16 games for Tampa Bay and finished third on the team with 94 tackles. He also added three sacks and two tackles for loss, while breaking up five passes, forcing two fumbles and making one interception. 

Johnson, who is Minnesota's all-time leading receiver, caught 12 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season with the Buccaneers. 

The other two former Gophers in the playoffs are reigning Super Bowl champion Damien Wilson (Kansas City Chiefs) and Kamal Martin (Green Bay Packers). The Chiefs (AFC) and Packers (NFC) both clinched the No. 1 seeds so they will have a first-round bye and will not compete this upcoming weekend. 

They will return to action on either Jan. 16 or 17. 

Wilson, who won the Super Bowl with the Chiefs last season, started all 13 games he played in and finished third on the team with 73 tackles. He also broke up one pass and forced one fumble in his second year in Kansas City. 

Martin made 24 tackles in his rookie season with the Packers, which included 17 solo stops and one sack.

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